RULE #1 for any remodel, not just kitchens...No matter how much time the contractor estimates to get the job done- always double it! Yes, double it or even triple it! It always takes longer, costs more (because you never know what might be hiding behind those walls), and changes your routine..
One big piece of advice is to find space somewhere else to cook while the kitchen is out of commission. Could you move the microwave to the dining room or basement and fix meals there? Those of you with mini bars in the rec room have a step up as there usually is counter space and maybe even a small fridge or microwave. Another thought is to purchase small toaster oven- these not only toast bread, but can cook pizzas as well.
Do you have a slowcooker? These can be a great help and you can start your dinner before you leave for work. Recipes for a slow cooker can be found online or cookbooks.
Try to set a routine...get the slow cooker ready before you leave for work..cook your weekend breakfast of pancakes and eggs every weekend...or change up the menu a little to accommodate the remodel.
Plan for your shopping trips- boiling water for pasta may be too hard or non-existent, so decide ahead of time what you can cook. This will make the shopping easier to plan.
Try to spend time with your friends or family. Even if it is at your home ask the others to bring food so you aren't doing all of the cooking. It might be a great time to take a vacation or day trips...although I wouldn't leave my reno unless I trusted my contractor to do the job the way it was planned.
I love the cleaner, more modern look to the kitchens pictured here. As most of you know, we are in the planning stages of a new kitchen for our home, and I am always looking at kitchen ideas. What would you like to put in your kitchen? What would you change for your lifestyle?
With the current economy, more people are remodeling where they live rather than build a new home. And that is where we are at with our home- why build when I have lots of square footage with neighbors who have beautiful yards and keep things maintained, etc. We know there is no guarantee that we will recoup all of our remodeling money spent, but know that updating always pays off in some way. Could you update a few things without having to spend too much? Things to ponder...
Remodel update: Siding is going up on the 3 remaining sides of the house. (It was amazing to me just how many people didn't realize that for the last year our house had 2 different sidings on it...the new Hardie cement board khaki colored siding on the front and the old gray vinyl siding on the other sides...new patio door to be installed soon! Kitchen cabinet builder to visit soon also!
Have a great Labor Day weekend!
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